Tyler named City Council of the Year

During this morning’s regularly scheduled meeting, the Tyler City Council was presented the “City Council of the Year Award” from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) for their continued commitment to ethics, prudent financial management, their support for employee professional development, focus on positive community relations and unique community initiatives.

A few examples noted include a new City ethics policy, one of the lowest tax rates in the state, establishment of a comprehensive, citywide Lean Six Sigma program, a AAA bond rating, zero general obligation debt, a robust City education program called City University and the Industry Growth Initiative.

“The Tyler City Council members have tremendous respect for each other, which can be seen in their interactions at council meetings,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel. “When agenda items are discussed, support is shown by allowing the council member whose district is affected the most to take the lead. It is a pleasure to work with council members who work so well together in the best interest of our community.”

The City of Tyler has a long history of innovative management. The foundation was established in 1997, when the City of Tyler adopted the "Blueprint" Business Model to express their core values and commitment to continuous improvement in the way the City of Tyler conducts business and delivers services.

Tyler City Council launched its Lean Six Sigma Program in 2009 with the hiring of a Master Black Belt. Since that time the program has been expanded to include most City departments. Lean Six Sigma is a strategic business methodology that combines two powerful approaches that focus on customer satisfaction, cost, quality, process speed, and the elimination of waste and variation in processes. To date, the City has saved more than $5 million through this program.

“Without the trust and support of our Tyler City Council none of these accomplishments would have been possible,” said McDaniel.